It's a fair question but provided Blount can hold on to the ball he provides a short yardage grinder that can get a couple of tough yards. Something the Pats have sorely missed. What does Bolden provide that Ridley or Vereen doesn't? I think that's where Blount will get the edge unless he really messes up in camp

He did but I don't remember him doing anything special that anyone else didn't provide. Unless he's a ST ace like Slater, Ebner, Edelman then he's replacable if someone provides something more than they can. Blount provides the short yardage RB we've needed, Bolden didn't provide that and was mainly just a body on STs

Between Bolden & Blount, it will likely come down to who is more of an Ivan Fears guy rather than who can/will participate on ST. If the PED issue with Bolden was non-steroid and his physical ability & body type are undiminished, then I think he will be the third RB.

Once again, some very good football players will be cut from the Patriots pre-season roster.

He did but I don't remember him doing anything special that anyone else didn't provide. Unless he's a ST ace like Slater, Ebner, Edelman then he's replacable if someone provides something more than they can. Blount provides the short yardage RB we've needed, Bolden didn't provide that and was mainly just a body on STs

Went to camp last Friday and throught Bolden totally outplayed Blount . . . Bolden look quick into the holes and he held onto the ball and caught all the passes . . . BB is not going to go with a backfield of Blount and Ridley because that will mean at least 8 fumbles this year!

Bolden is by far the better player imo. I think if the Pats go with 5, it is between Winn and Blount. My bet is on Winn

I was very impressed with Winn at camp (quick of the line) was thinks he might clear waivers and get a spot on the practice squad this year . . . isn't Ridley's and Vereen's rookie contracts up after this year?

I was very impressed with Winn at camp (quick of the line) was thinks he might clear waivers and get a spot on the practice squad this year . . . isn't Ridley's and Vereen's rookie contracts up after this year?

Bolden may have to be kept, if Ridley can't hold onto the ball than we'll need Bolden as the 1-A guy. He has all the same moves as Ridley but hopefully has a better grip... You guys want to consider the improbable... Imagine if Ridley gets cut?!

Bolden may have to be kept, if Ridley can't hold onto the ball than we'll need Bolden as the 1-A guy. He has all the same moves as Ridley but hopefully has a better grip... You guys want to consider the improbable... Imagine if Ridley gets cut?!

after last season there is no way ridley gets cut. he has to improve his ball security, but his troubles are overblown. too young too talented to be get cut.

Bolden may have to be kept, if Ridley can't hold onto the ball than we'll need Bolden as the 1-A guy. He has all the same moves as Ridley but hopefully has a better grip... You guys want to consider the improbable... Imagine if Ridley gets cut?!

That would be disappointing because Ridley is the first running back we've had in a while who shows a good combination of power, agility, and explosiveness. Bolden ran well, but I didn't see the same explosiveness from him as Ridley. He does, however, catch the ball better. Besides his fumbles, Ridley does not catch well, which limits what the offense can do when he's in the backfield.

Pats keep 5 rbs. I don't see edleman making the team. He was Leon washington'd. If you think edleman will be a receiver then you don't have a lot of hope for the others. One of the 5 takes his spot. With Gronk out we could keep 6 rbs till Brady tha the receivers get on the same page and or Gronk is back.

I just want to see Blount play in a game, because until then I really don't know what he can do on this team. He did look like he tried to run a little too cute in Tampa for a guy his size, but that may be different here - Belichick has a way of changing guy's mindsets. With the exception of Vareen, none of our runners are going to look dazzling in drills, shells, etc...they need contact.

I really hope Blount makes this team, the guy can pound the rock. With Brady behind center, I see Blount as a possible next Corey Dillon for the Pats. In Tampa, the opposing defenses had no respect for the passing game.

Yeah that's the thing - no one was trying to stop Tampa's passing game - the focus was on the rushing attack. It's so much different here, where the runners aren't the focus...it should be easier.

How is the RB situation unfolding? My 'old man' watched practice the other day and said Blount looked good. Or at least from what he saw. One has to think the missing time is going to affect Bolden. Do you think he's at risk to get cut? Can they stash him on the PS or is he out of eligibility?

Mike (12:51 PM)

Bolden doesn't have practice squad eligibility, Shaun. He's also a big factor on special teams, so I think he and Blount could actually both stick. On Blount, it was only one play, but I saw one time where he and Brady had a miscommunication because it appeared Blount went the wrong way.

Bolden may have to be kept, if Ridley can't hold onto the ball than we'll need Bolden as the 1-A guy. He has all the same moves as Ridley but hopefully has a better grip... You guys want to consider the improbable... Imagine if Ridley gets cut?!

Stranger things have happened. Ridley has fumbled during training camp - so, one wonders if Ridley getting his bell rung/knocked unconcious, might still be affecting him - plus, got into a fight with Arrington about a hit. the latter probably "violated" some kind of honor code for training camp - but also he's prolly still sensitive from getting knocked silly by Pollard.